Yaira Kurtzman
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Dynamic Oncology Clinical Trials Navigator with extensive experience experience in both solid and liquid tumors, excelling in documentation and accountability. Proven leadership in coordinating diverse teams and implementing quality improvement initiatives enhancing patient care and safety. Skilled in complex high acuity patients, with a strong focus on communication and collaboration to optimize clinical outcomes while maintaining timelines.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Trials Navigator
Helios Clinical Research
08.2025 - Current
- Collaborates directly with internal quality, data, and clinical teams along with external CRAs and sponsor representatives in preparation for audits and inspections and in the crafting of formal responses to post audit and inspection findings.
- Systematically reviews protocol deviations and Serious Adverse Events to ensure documentation meets and follows internal SOPs, GCP, Sponsor-specific case report forms, and ALCOA+ guidelines and directly submits all applicable protocol deviations and SAEs to the IRB as required providing clarifications and follow-up as needed.
- Directly assists in study start-up and closeout processes for multiple clinical sites serving as a liaison and facilitator to coordinate multiple departments and teams.
Manager, Clinical Research Coordinators
Helios Clinical Research (Previously The Oncology Institute)
04.2024 - 08.2025
- Led a diverse team of 7 Clinical Research Coordinators and 2 Research Assistants working with over 17 clinicians over 7 community sites.
- Spearheaded over 10 quality improvement initiatives resulting in significant improvements in documentation, protocol deviations, patient satisfaction, patient safety, staff satisfaction, interdepartmental communication, and vendor and Sponsor relationships.
- Successfully supported CRCs and RAs through covering patient visits, performing quality checks to provide feedback and additional learning opportunities, and provided guidance navigating serious and urgent situations while always prioritizing the patient and following GCP guidelines, protocol requirements, and SOPs.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Various - Contract
10.2023 - 04.2024
- While working Actalent, on assignment with The Oncology Institute, successfully screened and prescreened potential oncology patients for clinical trials working closely with investigators and clinic staff.
- Identified and solved complex discrepancies in research billing preventing numerous incidents of improper insurance billing.
- Performed chart review of patients currently enrolled in specific trials for quality review to identify inconsistencies and protocol deviations.
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator
City Of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center
09.2018 - 03.2021
- Enrolled over 200 eligible patients in clinical trials, including managing clinical trials across different subtypes of lymphoma among 10 investigators and numerous sponsors/CROs including aggressive rare T-cell lymphomas in early phase trials.
- Coordinated the scheduling of research patients across multiple departments (imaging, laboratory, echocardiograms, bone marrow biopsies, pharmacy, social services, etc.) utilizing often creative solutions to assist both patient and institutional availability while maintaining protocol timelines.
- Effective communication of plan of care to patients, families, and caregivers including the creation of unique visual aids and tools tailored to the patient and the specific protocol to improve protocol adherence and the patient experience.
- Demonstrate clinical competency using nursing assessment to triage patients, assess patients for adverse events, and following up throughout all phases of the patient's clinical trial journey while maintaining proper documentation.
- Proven leadership and initiation through manuscript development resulting in publications, serving as Chair of the Clinical Research Nurse Unit Council, Research Nurse representative on the research SOP committee, member of the Forms Management Committee for the City of Hope hospital system, and spearheaded and implemented the Research Participant Recognition Program.
- Participated in weekly MD lymphoma board meetings, communications and meetings with pharmaceutical companies and CROs, and lead inpatient and outpatient in-services.
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator I
Cedars-Sinai
07.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed and tracked diverse solid tumor Phase 1 clinical trial participants from both large and small pharmaceutical and biotech companies from start-up to close-out.
- Served as a patient advocate by providing education on disease state, study schedule, potential side effects and aiding patients in the navigation of insurance, and other healthcare appointments and issues.
- Conducted initial and follow-up assessment activities with study participants, resulting in 100% research participant retention rate outside of disease progression.
- Contributed to site evaluations and closeout visits with limited supervision, resulting in 100% completion rate.
- Applied working knowledge of FDA, ICH Guidelines and GCPs to ensure compliance and best practices, resulting in zero regulatory violations.
- Entered and performed query resolution in various EDCs by completing eCRFs and various case report forms as needed.
Registered Nurse, Medical Oncology and Phase 1
MD Anderson Cancer Center Hospital
08.2015 - 07.2017
- Utilized evidence based practice to provide culturally competent bedside care to solid tumor oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy, Phase 1 clinical trials, and/or end of life care.
- Demonstrated clinical competency and compassion in providing care, using technology, performing procedures, and managing oncology emergencies inline with institutional policies and patient's requests.
- Provided care to a diverse population with high medical acuity including but not limited to titrated heparin drips, continuous bladder irrigations, complex cardiac monitoring, pain pumps/PCAs, TPN, insulin drips, extensive wound and ostomy care, tracheostomies, and experimental interventions.
Registered Nurse
Msg Staffing
05.2015 - 08.2015
- Worked as a travel nurse for a local staffing company serving primarily adult day programs and inpatient rehabs in Massachusetts.
- Provided compassionate and evidence-based care to adults with various mental and physical disabilities such as vaccinations, daily oral and injectable medications, and wound care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs to recognize medical emergencies and facilitate the safe transfer of patients to a higher level of care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy And Health Sciences
Worcester 05.2001 -
Skills
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Communication
- Phase 1 Clinical Trials
- Eligibility
- Drug/IP Accountability
- Nursing
- IRB Submissions
- Audit and FDA Inspections
- Adverse Events
- GCP
- Protocol Deviation Prevention
Timeline
Clinical Trials Navigator
Helios Clinical Research
08.2025 - Current
Manager, Clinical Research Coordinators
Helios Clinical Research (Previously The Oncology Institute)
04.2024 - 08.2025
Clinical Research Coordinator
Various - Contract
10.2023 - 04.2024
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator
City Of Hope, Comprehensive Cancer Center
09.2018 - 03.2021
Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator I
Cedars-Sinai
07.2017 - 09.2018
Registered Nurse, Medical Oncology and Phase 1
MD Anderson Cancer Center Hospital
08.2015 - 07.2017
Registered Nurse
Msg Staffing
05.2015 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy And Health Sciences
05.2001 -